Lola Young Returns to Stage & Teases New Music After Health Break

Lola Young returned to the stage Wednesday night at London’s Palladium for her first headline show in five months, marking a significant moment in her comeback following a break to focus on her wellbeing. The performance wasn’t just a return to form for the breakout artist – it was a clear signal of renewed momentum, with Young telling fans she “can’t wait” to release new music, according to reports from NME.

The concert, her first since cancelling a tour last year, saw Young deliver a set spanning both intimate acoustic arrangements and full-band performances, culminating in a rendition of her global hit “Messy,” which she described as “the song that’s changed my life.” The evening felt particularly poignant given the challenges Young has publicly faced, and the uncertainty surrounding her career just months ago.

A Return Forged in Resilience

Young’s journey back to the stage has been well-documented. In September 2025, she collapsed onstage at the All Things Go Festival in New York City, an incident that prompted her to cancel all upcoming shows and address ongoing struggles with her mental health and addiction. Billboard detailed the incident, noting it followed a period where Young had been open about her battles with cocaine dependency and schizoaffective disorder, diagnosed in her teens, as well as ADHD.

The collapse and subsequent cancellation understandably raised concerns among fans. Young addressed these directly, posting a message to fans expressing hope for a second chance and a commitment to returning stronger. She followed through on that promise, appearing at Lily Allen’s Christmas party in December 2025 and hinting at a return to writing, and then making a triumphant return to the spotlight with a Grammy Award win in February 2026 for best pop solo performance, and a win at the BRIT Awards last weekend, taking home the breakthrough artist prize.

The Palladium show wasn’t simply a victory lap, yet. It was a carefully constructed setlist that showcased Young’s versatility, beginning with stripped-down versions of tracks like “Bad Game (3AM)” and building to the anthemic energy of “Messy.” The setlist, as published by NME, included “SPIDERS,” “Walk All Over You,” “why do i feel better when i hurt you?,” and “SAD SOB STORY! :)”, among others.

From Breakthrough to Bounceback

Young’s rise to prominence has been remarkably swift. Her song “Messy” became a global phenomenon in 2025, earning more than a billion streams and solidifying her status as one of the UK’s most exciting new artists. A graduate of the BRIT School – a renowned institution that has launched the careers of artists like Adele and Amy Winehouse – Young quickly garnered attention for her raw honesty and distinctive vocal style.

The BRIT School’s influence on Young’s career is notable. As Billboard points out, the school has consistently produced stars, and Young embodies the brash, talented, and contradictory spirit that defines many of its alumni. This background, combined with her willingness to address personal struggles openly, has resonated deeply with audiences.

However, the success came with a personal cost. The pressure of fame and the resurfacing of past struggles led to the health challenges that prompted her break. Her decision to prioritize her wellbeing, and her subsequent transparency about the process, has earned her widespread respect and admiration.

What’s on the Horizon

The London Palladium performance is just one stop on a busy schedule for Young. She is slated to perform at Sir Elton John’s historic AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 15, and has a headline concert scheduled in Los Angeles later this month. These appearances signal a full return to the international stage, and a clear intention to capitalize on the momentum generated by her recent awards and the positive reception to her live comeback.

Perhaps most significantly, Young has shared a message with fans via Reddit, expressing gratitude for the support she’s received and hinting at new music on the way. “Six months ago everything was off for me,” she wrote, acknowledging the fear that she might lose her hard-earned momentum. “I was genuinely fearful that I might lose my moment… So this is such a huge moment of affirmation for me.” She added, “I love you and can’t wait to put new music out and continue this journey with you in my corner.”

The timing of this announcement is strategic. Having navigated a challenging period and re-established herself as a compelling live performer, Young is poised to build on her success with fresh material. The anticipation for her next project is already building, and fans will be eager to notice how she channels her experiences into her art.